San Luis Obispo County says they’ll begin testing groundwater and soil at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport for trichloroethylene (TCE) later toward the end of July.
The testing was required by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board), as reported by the SLO City News in February. TCE has been detected in groundwater near Buckley Road with underground water flows leading investigators to scrutinize the Airport as source. TCE is a probable human carcinogen and County officials recognize it as serious public health concern.
The Water Board expects final test reports to be delivered sometime this fall.
“Public health and safety is our top priority when dealing with groundwater contamination,” Assistant County Administrative Officer Guy Savage was quoted as saying in an announcement. “While we haven’t found anything to indicate that the Airport is the source of TCE found in nearby groundwater, we are still investigating and we’ll continue to do so until results are conclusive.”
“Everyone has a right to clean, safe water. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the County will continue to help resolve the TCE problem,” Savage added. “We have done everything required of us, and more, to help identify the source of contamination and will continue to work with the Water Board and the community until this issue is resolved. Regardless of who is determined to be the source of the contamination, the County will likely have a role in its cleanup.” – Camas Frank
